Person with special education training and an endorsement granted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction; or

Employed as a LTC worker sometime between 1/1/2011 and 1/6/2012 AND who completed the training requirements in effect at the time. Must have proof of that employment meeting the requirements of DOH WAC 246-980-070.

If you do not meet one of those exemptions, you must complete the seventy-five hour orientation, safety, and basic training requirements, take the home care aide certification examination, and receive certification from the Department of Health prior to applying for an adult family home license. Find an approved training program here.

If your home is on a septic system, the system will need to be inspected by your local health authority or approved septic system inspection entity and you will need to provide documentation of the following:

The septic system has been inspected and approved

How many people (not bedrooms) the system can accommodate

The local health authority or inspection entity is aware that the system will be used in an AFH

This information does not need to be submitted with the application but it will need to be provided to the licensor prior to licensure recommendation. There can be significant costs associated with septic system improvements, so it is highly recommended this process be completed prior to submitting the application.

Resident records: You must have a system to maintain confidential resident records so you can provide the needed care to the residents. Your system must be organized so there is a place for the following documents: